Is the idea of starting a Tech career from scratch leaving you feeling lost? or do you find it hard to land a Tech job with no Tech experience? Here is a 6-step plan to help you start a tech career with no background experience in tech.
Are you thinking about transitioning into the tech industry with little but feel like you’re starting a tech career from scratch? And you feel you have little or no experience. You’re not alone. The tech world is dynamic and offers a wide range of opportunities for people from all backgrounds. While it may be scary at first, transitioning into tech without prior experience is entirely possible if done with the right approach and mindset.
While transitioning into the tech world without prior experience is achievable, it’s not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the steep learning curve. The tech industry is continuously evolving, and keeping up with the rapid pace of innovation can feel overwhelming, especially if you're starting from scratch. Newcomers often face the pressure of mastering new tools, programming languages, or software systems quickly, which can lead to self-doubt or imposter syndrome.
Another challenge is breaking into the job market without an established track record. Many tech employers look for proven experience, and without a traditional tech background, you might struggle with job rejections or being overlooked for roles. This can be discouraging, but persistence is key. You’ll need to find creative ways to showcase your transferable skills and demonstrate your potential through side projects, internships, or volunteering.
Additionally, the lack of mentorship or guidance is another barrier many face. Having someone to guide you through your learning journey, introduce you to opportunities, or provide advice. Unfortunately, finding mentors or a support network in tech can be difficult for those coming from non-tech backgrounds. This makes it essential to seek out communities, attend tech meetups, or join online forums to build relationships with others in the industry.
Let's walk you through a 6-step plan that will help you navigate the challenges associated with transitioning into a tech career with no experience or from a non-tech to a tech career and also increase your chance of landing a tech job.
The tech industry is broad and full of exciting career opportunities, but it is important to pick your area of interest to filter what experience skills you might need. You don't want to be a “jack of all trades, master of none." An easier way to do this; is to consider a field you already have experience in. Transitioning into tech becomes much smoother if you already have familiarity with a specific industry. You don’t have to land a job in a tech company before you work in the tech industry, and guess what? You might also explore non-technical roles within tech companies. You can also identify which area of tech excites you the most. Do you love solving problems? Then coding might be for you. Are you good at organizing and communicating? Then project management or UX design might be a great fit
It is often believed that it takes 3-6 months to be good at a new skill. This means you could land a tech job in the next 3 months. One of the best things about the tech industry is that you don’t necessarily need a degree to land a job. There are a lot of online resources for learning tech skills to aid your transition. Platforms like Udemy, Allison, and Cousera, to name a few! You can also explore courses curated by coaches in your chosen field, and the beauty of this is you can take the course at your own pace.
Once the challenge of understanding your skill set and choosing a field/interest has been overcome and you have taken a few courses, the next step is to reverse engineer your skill set. Don’t forget that with courses you just successfully finished, you have gathered a few more skills.
Once you’ve identified your target career or job, browse job listings for your dream tech roles on platforms like LinkedIn. Take note of the required skills, experience, and education. Then, list of what you need to learn and achieve to meet those qualifications.
Set aside regular time each day or week to build the skills you need. Be mindful of any weaknesses or gaps in your knowledge and work on improving them as much as possible.
This is the point where you may feel like you don’t have enough experience, but everyone has to start somewhere. Highlight transferable skills from previous roles, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and analytical thinking. Also, include courses or certifications you recently completed. Customize your resume for each tech role, focusing on relevant skills and any projects you’ve worked on, even if they were personal. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect the expectations of your chosen field, and model your profile on others in your industry.
Once you’ve gained some skills, it’s time to start applying for jobs. Look for positions that don’t require prior tech experience. Many tech companies are open to hiring people who show potential and a willingness to learn.
Check out tech-specific job boards like AngelList, Stack Overflow Jobs, and GitHub Jobs, and also check out our available jobs on Rovedana’s website. Even entry-level roles can help you build experience and get your foot in the door.
Have you heard of the phrase that says “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know?” This is so true when it comes to networking. Breaking into tech isn’t just about the skills, it’s about building connections. Attend career fairs and tech events, join online tech forums, get a mentor, and connect with people in the industry.Transitioning into tech might not be a “bed of roses,” but it is full of endless possibilities and it is achievable.
Implementing these steps will help you get your big break into tech. Stay focused, keep learning, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go!